A REGIONAL CELEBRATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18| 7PM VIA LIVE STREAMING
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DENVER
P R E S E N T S
A R E G I O N A L C E L E B R AT I O N O F
A D M I N I S T R AT I V E E X C E L L E N C E
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18| 7PM
VIA LIVE STREAMING
NATIONAL PARTNERS
PREMIER PARTNER
SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | 2
2021 ADVISORY BOARD
Kari Mertz, Board Chair Ashley Sparhawk
RobinHood Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Adela Pena, Vice Chair Cherie Harris
Leprino Foods Company Mercy Housing
It truly takes the effort, Etwanda Johnson Amy Cler
commitment and heart of many ClinOne Red Bird Farms
to make a program like the
Admin Awards possible during Sarah Barrett Lisa Cook
typical times, but during times Canna Advisors U.S. Bank
like “these”, we are deeply Regina Cardenas
aware that our program would HSS
not be possible without our
incredibly loyal staff, Advisory Ashley Doell
Target
Boards, Sponsors and Partners
– and equally important, the
business community that trusts
us to provide meaningful recognition to one of their most 2021 JUDGES
beloved employee groups.
Pam Gerber Rene Garcia
To my surprise and delight, as the world turned inward in CMO, Fibroid Institute of Dallas Executive Assistant, Janus
2020, the executive community went the opposite direction. Henderson
Sherry Parsons
Business leaders began reaching out to us inquiring about our Retired Executive Assistant, Avaya Hilary Barnett
programs, eager to show their appreciation and celebrate. Executive Assistant to the EVP of
They also validated what my intuition was telling me: The Kelly Mahncke Data and SVP of Project Manager at
recognition of the Administrative Professionals at the core of CFO, Assistant Executive Director of ANB Bank, ANB Bank
our program is far more important than the physical, in-person Finance, US Hockey
events.
Debbie Little
Very early on, we were reminded that companies were Jamie McCormick
depending on their Admins to keep everything together, to HR Director, Betterworks
make the impossible seem effortless and to do it all with skill,
enthusiasm and heart. In the can-do spirit of the Denver Metro
Admins we honor, we put our hearts and minds into creating
a special experience that we hope makes you feel connected,
inspired and joyful.
CONGRATULATIONS!
And since we announced our plans for Admin Awards Live!
2020-2021, I have been overjoyed at the outpouring of
enthusiasm and love for these amazing professionals. So many
busy people took the time to express gratitude through their
words and actions. Our collective efforts really do change lives
for the better. For that, I am incredibly thankful.
2020 and 2021, with of all the challenges, has shown us
that the Administrative Community is stronger than ever
and companies are united in their determination to ensure
their Admins are properly appreciated and cared for. This
unstoppable spirit continually inspires us as we embark on this RECIPIENT OF THE
new journey with you.
We hope you have as much fun at Denver Metro Admin
F O U N D E R’S
Awards LIVE! as we’ve had creating it for you. AWA R D
for Creating an Exceptional
With Appreciation, Work Environment for
Administrative Professionals
Career Advancement Recognition
Career Pathing Executive Sponsor
Positive Leadership Internal Admin
Environment Organization
Sunny Nunan,
Founder, CEO & Proud Daughter of an Executive Secretary, Ownership & Leadership of Professional
Admin Awards Important Projects Development
SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | 3
Karen Nelson
N E R
WI N
TECHNICAL EDITOR, SBSA, LLC
{ THEADMINISTRATIVE
COLLEEN BARRETT AWARD FOR
EXCELLENCE }
Karen Nelson is Technical Editor at SBSA, and in this role, she uses her immense skill set
to edit and translate complex engineering reports typically used in litigation settings into
high-quality, readable documents — work that is essential to the success of the company.
Despite demanding deadlines, she works with more than 30 people in the organization to
complete all reports and ensure that they meet the highest standards. Karen’s commitment
to precise work is always on display, whether in small technical memorandums or full
reports that exceed 500 pages. Her ability to manage high-pressure situations with patience
and tranquility is an inspiration to others in the firm, as well as to clients. Additionally,
Karen is a bridge builder across the company — she advocates for the professional growth
of her colleagues, patiently teaches and mentors the administrative team, and is an
exemplar of professionalism to all who work with her. Her work ethic, positive attitude,
and pursuit of perfection sets the standard for excellence at SBSA.
FINALISTS
Bonnie Azevedo Jessica Coder Cindy Fitzsimons Destiny Sipres
Moye White, LLP Martin/Martin, Inc. National Cattlemen’s Children’s Hospital
Beef Association (NCBA) Colorado
Colleen Barrett: Servant Leader and Superstar
When The Admin Awards was launched was a great servant leader. He loved life and you almost couldn’t be
in 2012, we sat down with Colleen around him and not catch that love of life and love of people.
Barrett to ask her for her thoughts
And the best aspect?
and experiences on the administrative
It was truly feeling his egalitarian spirit and appreciating the fact that
profession. Her answers from that
he valued my judgment and thinking as a team member.
September interview, edited for brevity;
are below: Did you ever think you would rise from
Secretary to President and COO of Southwest
What did you like
Airlines?
most about b
secretary?
eing a
“Be authentic. Quite honestly it wasn’t something I wanted,
and I never wanted to be COO—and I made that
I like to serve so
you have to start
Be real. very clear to the Board—that isn’t my strength.
My strength is customer service and people and
there. I loved to
solve problems. And
Remember everything that touches people, and, honestly,
being President and COO wasn’t my favorite
I loved to give exemplary or positive customer
service delivery on behalf of whomever I was
who you are.” position at Southwest…my favorite position was
Executive Vice President-Customers. Customer
working for. Life is all about relationships… you
to us means employees, passengers, and
have a n opportunity in the administrative group
shareholders, so I could really touch everything.
to form more relationships than probably any other position — even
I could touch every department. And as President… I had to do a lot
much higher up on that so-called ladder because you are very often
more external things… I did them… I can’t say I hated them… (but) I
that first point of contact with the outside world or the customer…
like to get down and dirty and r eally roll up my sleeves.
life is just one big grassroots campaign as far as I’m concerned.
What advice do you have for Admins?
What did you like the least?
Love. Everybody. Just love. It’s a word that corporate America doesn’t
I didn’t like anything that was routine. I loved to master projects, but,
use very much… always remember where you came from — so that
for example, filing was only interesting to me because I loved to be
you know how far you’ve come...I don’t think most of us start out
able to find anything that anyone was looking for… I’ve never liked
thinking we’re going to be the President of the United States or the
rote work. (But) there’s s ome that goes in every job no matter what
CEO of a company… and I think… be humble and appreciate what
position you’re in.
you get. To me psychic satisfaction is 10 times more important than
What was the most challenging aspect of s erving Herb Kelleher? pay or title. Be authentic. Be real. Remember who you are.
Being a nanny for 45 years for a man who has always thought he was
17 regardless of any year that was added to his personal calendar! H
e
SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | 4
{ THE ABOVE THE CALL AWARD }
WINNER FINALISTS
SARA GOLDEN
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, U.S. BANK
Sara Golden is Executive Assistant at U.S. Bank, where she not only does an
outstanding job in her primary role but also makes the entire organization shine
by supporting broad community and employee efforts. Sara utilizes her technical, Rebecca Collier Theresa Craddock
KeyBank Source Office and
managerial and relationship skills to help make U.S. Bank a top-performing company Technology
— for example, she recently utilized floor plan software so that the bank could easily
find space for new hires and kept employees connected during the pandemic, organizing fun virtual events
like trivia games and holiday “ugly sweater” contests. On top of all that, Sara has historically been the point
person for the company’s largest customer event in Colorado, the “U.S. Bank Day at the Broncos,” and is
incredibly active in many business development groups (BRGS) that support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A common refrain in the office is “Sara is great to work with,” and her efforts to go above and beyond have
strongly influenced key relationships and helped differentiate U.S. Bank from other institutions. Kellian Pitman Alicia Relyea
Griffiths Law PC Wurk
{ THE LEADERSHIP AWARD }
WINNER FINALISTS
SARAH STEHR
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, CITY OF WESTMINSTER (COLORADO)
Sarah Stehr is Executive Assistant for the City of Westminster, where she routinely
demonstrates that title alone does not define a leader. In her role, she handles
budget preparation, the monitoring of expenses, pay draw certifications, and Adrienne Davis-Kallas Paige Olivier Bonnie Schutz
Janus Henderson Colorado Oil & Gas Tandem Resource
purchase order issuance for a department of 75 employees, some of whom directly Investors Association Solutions
manage public works design and construction projects valued in the tens of millions
of dollars — and that’s in addition to all of the other responsibilities that typically fall under an EA role. As
the only EA in the organization who directly supervises administrative staff, Sarah leads with patience and
confidence, empowering her staff to lead alongside her and motivating them to do their best work. She also
leads by example, pursuing her own goals by earning the administrative professionals course certification
and working towards her project management certification. Sarah has said, “I want to inspire” — and like all
great leaders, that’s exactly what she does. Tara Thorne Connie Wilson
Cisco Systems, Inc. Intel Corporation
{ THE LOYALTY AWARD }
WINNER FINALISTS
MACKENZIE SANTANA
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR, CENTURA HEALTH -
AVISTA ADVENTIST HOSPITAL
Mackenzie Santana is Administrative Services Coordinator for Avista Adventist Hospital
and has been tremendously successful during her tenure serving as the connector Merlinda Lucas Linda Marcinski
American Furniture Western Union
between various levels of hospital leadership, staff, and the community. She was the Warehouse
first at the hospital to serve both the CEO and COO simultaneously and during her
time at Avista, has supported four CEOs, three CMOs, four CNOs, and three CFOs. Her ability to expertly adapt
to the priorities of leaders and the organization as a whole made Mackenzie an obvious choice to co-lead
Avista’s early vaccine clinics, ensuring that all processes ran smoothly and that the customer experience was
consistently positive. Despite the additional responsibilities brought on by the pandemic, Mackenzie never
faltered in her support of internal staff, community members, board members, and leaders, particularly in her
efforts to ensure C-level staff stayed connected with their employees and the greater community. Mackenzie’s Tracy Spiegel Marlene Troxle
loyalty and dutiful service have played a vital role in securing Avista’s renowned position in the community. Griffiths Law PC His Kingdom Matters
Congratulations to all the Denver Admin Awards Finalists!
At Robert Half, we help professionals find meaningful careers
and companies find the talent they need to be successful.
Find your next dream job or hire talent today
Denver • 303.296.1010
roberthalf.com
© 2021 Robert Half International Inc. An EOE M/F/D/V.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | 5
WINNER { ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE }
IN PUBIC SERVICE AWARD
FINALISTS
DESTINY SIPRES
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO
Destiny Sipres is Operations Coordinator for Colorado Fetal Care Center and NICU;
scheduler for Pulmonary Hypoplasia Clinic; and Administrative Coordinator for
North American Fetal Therapy Network. If her many titles and responsibilities don’t Katy Walton
Mile High United Way
automatically give away how dedicated Destiny is to serving the health needs of the
public, her commitment to assisting patients from check-in all the way through the
treatment process definitely does. Destiny is the public face of CFCC, and in that very external-facing role, she
consistently handles both employees and patients with the utmost positivity. She also never hesitates to take
on additional roles when necessary — for example, when the NICU milk lab was in crisis over staffing during
COVID-19, she stepped up and worked to ensure that the NICU babies were fed and that the milk technicians
were not overburdened. Though she’s always on the go, Destiny is the first person to check on other employees’
well-being or just stop by to say hi — making her the true embodiment of CHCC’s caring culture. Kari Elizalde
The Judge William E. Doyle
{ THE ACHIEVER AWARD }
WINNER FINALISTS
DENISE BUCHER
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT, FRONT RANGE
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Denise Bucher is Executive Assistant to the President at Front Range Community
College. In her multi-faceted role, Denise has become known as the glue that binds Jenna Bowman Jennell Bruno Marisa Cucuzzella
Leprino Foods Griffiths Law PC Global Down Syndrome
the college and its positive culture together. She organizes weekly leadership Company Foundation
meetings, supports the President’s daily schedule, and manages key external events
such as signing ceremonies. While Denise has excelled in every role she’s held at Front Range, she has proven
herself especially invaluable through her amazing work to assist the college during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She expertly organized a campaign to distribute masks to staff and students, managed weekly virtual town
halls, and created a virtual “graduation in a box” that was mailed to thousands of students when in-person
commencement ceremonies were not possible — an idea that proved immensely popular with graduates.
She even organized a virtual professional development day for 90 Admins while simultaneously adapting to Endsley Eggert Judy Martin Tracy Satterly
new technologies and deploying them flawlessly. Denise consistently demonstrates organization, initiative, HeartHero / EIR Inc. Congruex Vectrus, Inc.
independence, and positive energy — everything a true achiever should be.
Congratulations
Sheri Kelly and Sara Golden
2021 Admin Award Finalists
Congratulations on this amazing achievement, Sheri and Sara!
Your enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication make such
a difference at U.S. Bank.
Sheri Kelly Sara Golden
©2021 U.S. Bank 610401
CONGRATULATIONS!
MARISA CUCUZZELLA
Denver Admin Awards Finalist 2021
Thank you for all your hard work & commitment!
GlobalDownSyndrome.org
SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | 6
{ THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AWARD }
WINNER FINALISTS
WHITNEY LOFTESNES
CHIEF OF STAFF, CONVERCENT BY ONETRUST
Whitney Loftesnes is Chief of Staff at Convercent, where her talent for collaboration
elevates the entire executive team. She is a true partner to her leader, especially in
the way she adeptly understands the relationships between Convercent’s investors, Sheri Kelley
U.S. Bank
board, and executive team. When the company sold to OneTrust this year, it was
Whitney who was asked to project manage the $275 million acquisition — an
undertaking that required working with tax consultants, M&A Advisors in Paris, existing investors across the
United States, legal teams exceeding 15 people across both sides, and a nerve-wracked CEO. Despite her
many impressive professional successes, Whitney never seeks the limelight. Instead, she unfailingly looks for
ways to recognize others, such as encouraging executives to champion their teams during quarterly business
reviews and ensuring that new executives at Convercent understand the company’s uniquely positive culture.
Whitney leads the charge in making sure that, day in and day out, everyone at Convercent is the best version Toni Shiner
Urban Solution Group
of themselves.
{ THE SPIRIT AWARD }
WINNER FINALISTS
CHRISTIE PETERSON
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, ORACLE
Christie Peterson is Executive Assistant at Oracle, where she has developed a
reputation as an optimistic encourager who makes everyone feel genuinely valued
and supported. She is the ultimate self-starter, working with Oracle’s Talent & Jamese Lemon Britten Michalik
Robinhood Markets
Development team to craft a training plan for herself and others that helps them
better understand the competencies required to succeed in their Administrative
roles. She also demonstrates an enduring commitment to making personal connections, such as ensuring
all team members are celebrated on their birthdays and work anniversaries — and even makes homemade
cards for them. Christie is an invaluable resource to new hires at oracle, expertly helping them navigate their
first few days at the company by ensuring they have access to the technical help they need to get up and
running quickly. Her positive spirit is contagious, as is the way she makes those around her feel endlessly
encouraged. In the words of her colleagues, Christie is truly a “master connector.” Melody Neff Dawn Owens
Vectrus, Inc. Lockheed Martin
Congratulations to
MELODY NEFF and TRACY SATTERLY
of Vectrus on becoming
2021 Admin Award Finalists!
Thank you for your tenure and dedication
to Vectrus throughout the years!
Melody Neff Tracy Satterly
Spirit Award Achiever Award
CONGRATULATIONS
ADRIENNE DAVIS-KALLAS
Leadership Award Finalist for the 2021 Denver Admin Awards
Your leadership empowers others to dream and achieve more than they ever imagine
while creating space for them to stand on their own.
CONNECT WITH US AT JANUSHENDERSON.COM/CAREERS
SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | 7
{ THE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD }
WINNER FINALISTS
AARON QUINTANA
SENIOR DISTRICT ADMIN, TARGET
Aaron Quintana is District Administrator for Target, where he covers 17 stores in
Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. After assuming the role in 2020, Aaron immediately
leveraged his strengths in building relationships based on trust and attention to Ashley Eckert
HeartHero
detail to gain buy-in from store directors, district business partner teams, and his
boss. He set up status time with each store director and member of the District
Leadership Team to learn what they valued most in the District Administrator role and where there was
room for improvement. In addition to his District Admin responsibilities, Aaron also serves on the district’s
Diversity and Inclusion Action Committee — where has been featured in the group and region for his work
with LGBTQIA+ initiatives — and supports other volunteer efforts within the district. The exceedingly
positive feedback from the district’s 16 store directors and 3,000 hourly team members illustrates how, by
embracing and exemplifying the culture of Target, Aaron has taken the District Admin role and elevated it Carrie Brown-Coats
Robinhood
into something truly special.
WINNER
BONNIE AZEVEDO
MOYE WHITE, LLP
NEXT TO EXCELLENCE
IS THE APPRECIATION
– William Thackeray
OF IT.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | 8
NATIONAL PARTNERS
Official Airline Partner Official Administrative
Staffing Partner
In it’s 49th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Robert Half is proud to be a long-time supporter
Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other air and national partner of the Admin Awards. For more
carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered than 70 years, Robert Half has been the leader in
by more that 60,000 Employees to more than 100 specialized talent and recruiting solutions. With more
million Customers annually. Southwest proudly than 300 locations worldwide, Robert Half helps
operates a network of over 97 destinations across the job seekers find rewarding job opportunities and
United States and seven additional countries with companies find the talent they need to be successful
more than 4,000 departures a day during peak travel in the accounting and finance, technology, legal,
season. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines creative and marketing, and administrative fields.
in the world with an emphasis on performance and Robert Half has once again been named to
productivity, the importance of its People and the FORTUNE’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list
communities they serve, and an overall commitment and remains the top-ranked staffing firm (February
to efficiency and the planet. 2021). For more information, including career
resources and industry research, visit roberthalf.com.
PREMIER PARTNER
ADMIN ADVOCATE COMMUNITY PARTNERS
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